§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations she has received from OPEN, the small shops group about the consequences of the unamended working time directive for small convenience stores in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMy predecessors received representations from OPEN about the proposed provisions in the draft directive on working time which would make Sunday a rest day in principle. At the Council of Social Ministers 217W on 30 April there was general acceptance that any provision in the draft directive on the principle of Sunday rest should not be obligatory in its effect on member states. Negotiations are continuing on these issues.